Ataei B, Nokhodian Z, Babak A, Shoaei P, Mohhammadzadeh M, Sadeghi R,
Volume 67, Issue 11 (2-2010)
Abstract
Normal
0
false
false
false
EN-US
X-NONE
AR-SA
MicrosoftInternetExplorer4
Background: There
are millions of children around the world living on the street. They are at
higher risk of physical, sexual and drug abuse, and have no access to health
care facilities. Therefore they are at risk of viral infections such as HCV and HIV. The aim of
this study was determining the prevalence of HCV and HIV infection in
Isfahan street children (2005-2007).
Methods: The cross-sectional study was taken place on 386 street
children through a nonprobable-convenience sampling method. They were requested
to answer a questionnaire (demographic and behavioral data), and then they were
tested for anti HCV and anti HIV antibodies.
Results: Among 386 street children, 270
(70%) were boys and the mean age was 12.62±3.23 years.
The majority of them, 267 cases (69%), were on the street for financial reasons. 353 (91.7%), 366 (94.8%) and 375 (97.2%) of
them had no history of smoking, using alcohol or substance addiction,
respectively. 40 (34.5%) of girls and 12
(4.4%) of boys (p<0.0001) were
engaged in sex and 79 (68%) of girls and 46
(17%) of boys (p<0.0001) were
involved in physical fighting. All of the children had negative serology for HIV infection.
Nevertheless, four of them (1%) were positive for HCV
Ab.
Conclusion: The knowledge of street children about high risk
behaviors and the infectious diseases should be improved through educational
programs. They need also legal, social and health support.
